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This early side plan illustrates the small site, linear building form, and playground accessibility to the future park to the west.
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This expeditionary learning school includes a main learning commons and four supporting learning communities, each with their own commons space.
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Trailside’s undulating building form nestles the playground at the front entry, drawing visitors into the front entry.
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In contrast to the curvilinear south facade, the building is very linear on the north, relating well to the urban context of its neighborhood.
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The Early Childhood Activity Center features a wood wall with large orb cutouts inviting kids to sit and play in a unique, personalized space.
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The Learning Commons is open, welcoming, and uses warm materials to help students feel comfortable. Seating options gives learners control over their environment.
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Transparency is integral into the design. The second floor overlooks the learning commons and the learning commons is visually connected to the exterior play spaces.
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Music and art rooms both have a studio feel. The art room is showcased at the front of the building and its glass wall provides visual access to the activity happening within.
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Transparent garage doors separate the Dining Commons from the gym for flexibility during events. Geometric, rectangular patterns are woven throughout Trailside—even in the sunlight patterns.
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Each learning community has a centralized commons space. "Art + Urban" are explored through map art illustrating Trailside’s link to urban trails while providing a unique identity for each pod.
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The building orientation maximizes daylighting. Most classrooms have north-facing windows. LED lighting is completely dimmable, and low VOC materials were used.
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Warm, comfortable interior finishes were chosen to create a sense of warmth and a home-like feeling for students.
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Outdoor spaces use low maintenance materials and integrate design features that are whimsical and stir a sense of wonder of play.
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Trailside provides outdoor amenities, neighborhood connections, and is a vibrant addition to Denver’s Midtown neighborhood.
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2019 Time Frame Images
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2019 RB+B Architects
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2019 Time Frame Images
Trailside Academy P-8 school merges creativity, warmth, and energy to support its Expeditionary Learning curriculum. The 67,000-square-foot facility is organized around four learning communities, each with individual classrooms and a centralized commons space. The ECE wing is separate to the east with its own entry.
Trailside’s five-acre site is very small and necessitated creative planning. The undulating building form opens to a park on the west of the site and nestles the playground at the front entry. In contrast to the curvilinear south facade, the building is very linear on the north, relating well to the urban context of its neighborhood.
Trailside is organized efficiently and each space is sized optimally. Spaces are comfortable and welcoming with various seating options. Warm materials and bright colors bring energy and warmth.
Visual transparency is illustrated through features like the second story overlook into the commons and media spaces, as well as from one classroom into the next. Exterior windows enable transparency from the interior commons into exterior play spaces. Music and Art are visually showcased with expanses of glass opening to the commons.
Trailside is a vibrant, creative, and personalized school that supports students’ unique ways that they learn, grow, and thrive.
Trailside Academy P-8 School
Category
Combined-Level School
Description
Project Location:
Denver, CO
Architecture Firm
RB+B Architects (Architect) & Sampson Construction (Contractor) / Mapleton Public Schools
Fort Collins, CO 80524,Colorado
rbbarchitects.com
Photography By:
2019 Time Frame Images
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